Industry calls for urgent action to realise Ireland's offshore wind ambitions

Wind association Wind Energy Ireland (WEI) has warned that Ireland’s offshore wind targets are in serious jeopardy without decisive and immediate action from government.

The warning was issued together with the publication of a new Offshore Wind Action Plan, developed by WEI.

While the action plan welcomes the progress made by government in recent years, it calls for fast action in the delivery of policy commitments, with proper resourcing and funding to reflect the seriousness of government’s commitment to the sector.

WEI's plan sets out the key government priorities required to deliver on Ireland’s offshore wind potential and restore confidence in the country’s ability to build a competitive, sustainable and robust offshore wind industry.

The document also outlines recommendations for the government to follow to support the delivery of offshore wind projects already in development and to provide certainty and stability for future development.

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The plan provides 24 targeted actions split across four delivery areas.

These include:

• Delivering the phase one projects to establish Ireland’s offshore wind industry.
• Maximising the South Coast Designated Maritime Area Plan (DMAP), including progressing the Tonn Nua site auction and the future development of sites Lí Ban, Manannán and Danu.
• Accelerating the National ORE DMAP to provide a long-term pipeline of projects for both fixed and floating wind.
• Building vital infrastructure and demand strategies, including investment in ports, grid capacity and industrial demand to support offshore wind growth.

Among the recommendations are the urgent resourcing of planning authorities and key state agencies, at local and national level, clarity on grid access and offshore wind auctions and the prioritisation of port expansion to ensure projects can be built on time.

Wind Energy Ireland CEO Noel Cunniffe commented: “This plan is about restoring confidence — at home and abroad — in Ireland’s offshore wind potential. We know what needs to be done. The industry stands ready to deliver, but it cannot do so without political urgency and whole-of-government leadership. The steps we set out today are not theoretical – they are essential.”

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Cunniffe further emphasised that in order to lower customer bills and emissions while boosting energy independence, a clear path is needed now and investment barriers must be removed.

"The actions laid out in the plan will de-risk investment, accelerate planning and grid processes and ensure that critical infrastructure such as ports and grid access are available in time.”

Cunniffe added: “The potential for offshore wind to transform Ireland’s energy system, economy and climate impact is enormous. But time is short. What we decide to do in the next 12 months will determine whether we have boats in the water constructing wind farms in 2030 and whether 2040 targets remain within reach.”